I’m a simple man and I like things to be straight forward, so here goes: Through the Eyes of the Dead’s Skepsis is the band’s masterpiece. I have yet to free myself from its snare since I started listening to it. So fitting that the best deathcore album I’ve heard in ages comes from the very band that helped birth the genre.

For those of you who didn’t take particularly well to 2007’s Malice, a sharp departure from their original sound (ala 2005’s Bloodlust), Skepsis will not do you any favors. Think of Malice’s sound and add in some of the discordant melodies that permeated Bloodlust’s tracks and you’ll have Skepsis to a tee. Guitarist (and only remaining original member) Justin Longshore said in an interview that Skepsis embodied what he felt to be the sound the band has been trying to obtain since its inception. He’s right. This is quintessential deathcore.

And this is deathcore, make no mistake about it. Every song features a breakdown. Dan Rodriguez’ low-growls are barked out in a very tough-guy hardcore delivery. So the “core” element is there, but it’s just so much more. The dissonant chromatics and melodies are more haunting than ever. They stick with you, more than any I’ve heard in this genre. The closest album in quality to this one is Malice or At the Throne of Judgment’s debut album.

What makes it a masterpiece is simple: they have taken the formula revision they pulled off in 2007 and trimmed it of the fat. Gone is Nate Johnson’s pitiful high-pitched squeals, replaced by Danny Rodriguez’ more than able screams and low gutturals. Gone too is the overly-reverbed and overly-Pro Tooled mix of the Erik Rutan produced Malice. Skepsis features a dry but eerily clear and chunky mix that accentuates the drone of the guitars without stretching their sustain out to infinity. Improved too is the technicality. Justin gets a chance to show off with some of the best solos he’s put to waveform. The drums are tight and unobtrusive. The same goes for the bass.

For Through the Eyes of the Dead to maintain this much of a cohesive yet matured sound after so many lineup changes is a testament to how well Justin guides this band. Besides that, there’s not much else to say, really. This album is the best deathcore record I’ve ever heard and will likely become one of my favorite albums of all time. Bloodlust was good. Malice was great. Skepsis is perfect.

5.0/5